Why I love Weight Watchers..

I really do love Weight Watchers and here is why..

• It isn't a diet, it just teaches you to eat right.
• You can still eat whatever you want. You just learn to eat smarter.
• I have chocolate almost everyday still :)
• You can go out to eat.

And last but not least, it works! It's definitely not one of those fad diets where you lose everything overnight but it's something that is easy to stick to. My mom has lost almost 100 pounds in 20 months. She gained weight during her cancer treatments and I'm so proud of her for losing it again. I've been back on the program for almost 4 weeks and as of today I have lost 7.8 pounds. And I'm not one to lose weight quickly because of my PCOS, so I'm excited because that loss is really good for me!

I also picked up Zumba for the wii a couple of days ago and I love love love it! It's not nearly as fun as going to the classes but it's convenient and Bella likes to dance with me too. I can honestly say I haven't felt this good about myself in a long time. It's crazy how different you feel when you are eating healthy. So my new years resolution (and pretty much everyone elses..) is to be healthy and fit for 2011! Bring it on!

22 months!

I honestly can't say what age I love the most of babyhood because every phase that Bella goes through I think that is the one I like the best. I love the stage she is at right now. The talking, trying to be Miss Independent.. the tantrums are not my favorite. We are definitely heading into the terrible 2s!

Bella loves..

Being a big girl (or so she thinks :) She is really independent and likes to do things herself. She loves sweeping, closing the dishwasher, helping to put clothes in the dryer, loves helping get her sippy cup ready.

Her binky.. still. Next week it is time to binky break. It's got to be gone by the time she turns 2 but I don't want to do it too close to her birthday. We are planning a fun day out the first day to keep her distracted. I definitely want to make it fun and positive. She is SO attached.

She loves brushing her teeth and washing her hands. Every time we even get near the bathroom she yells, "teeth teeth!".

She stills LOVES Blues Clues. She would watch it all day long if I'd let her.

She likes going shopping but I don't love going shopping with her! She is way too busy and refuses to sit in the cart most of the time.

She is starting to play pretend. She really likes her kitchen and making everyone is the house food (including the dogs & her stuffed animals).

Little Miss cooking away in her kitchen

Taking a break to feed her bear. Check out that plate of food! Watermelon, ice cream and an avocado! Lucky bear :)

Reading her book... that's how I read too! J/K :)

Little Zumba queen!

Notice her PJs in the above photo.. yesterday Walmart had jammies on clearance for $5 so I let her pick out the ones she wanted. I'm pretty sure those are boys but she really wanted them. I think they are cute too :)

She still loves dance and all the other mom's always comment on how different she is than the day we started. The first day she was shy and scared. She didn't know what to think.. now she is wild and crazy. She runs around more than she dances.

The things she says the most are:
- "Hey you!"
-"show you" -she started saying this because she would be trying to say something and I'd tell her to show me because I couldn't understand her.
- She knows the dogs names and calls Onyx, Ony and Meeko, Ko. I think that is pretty good!
- She went through a phase where she said "go away" and "move" but we have been working on manners and she doesn't say them as much anymore. Whew!

Day 28- Last day

 This is the last day I'm doing this cause I'm already bored of it.

Day 28 - A picture of you in the last year and now, how have you changed since then?

This was Christmas 2009 and then Christmas 2010. I've lost about 25 pounds since then although I don't think it shows that much in the photos. My hair is quite a bit darker too but I'm not so sure I like it. I'm sort of stuck with it though because I don't want to bleach it..


Honestly, I think Bella's transformation within the last year is much more impressive..

Much bigger! Lots more hair! She is growing up too fast!

Christmas 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We woke up at 7 and brought her right up to see her presents. The only thing that she asked for was a train set (such a Daddy's girl!). She played with it right away and then decided it was scary. Silly girl! She is getting used to it now. She also got a shopping cart, more stuff for her kitchen, a Zhu Zhu pet, a Barbie (her first one ever), clothes & books, and tons of other stuff. Her stocking included nailpolish, bath scrubbies & body wash, & a little bit of candy. I'm really trying to get the whole family eating healthy so both Justin & Bella only got a little bit of candy this year in their stockings. They can thank me later :)

Bella's setup

Bella really got into unwrapping her presents this year. She hardly played with anything between presents. She would rip a tiny piece of wrapping paper off and hand it to me to throw it away before she would rip more. So sweet & dainty!

Crazy hair.. I'm trying to grow out her bangs

More presents at Grandma's

Playing with her cousin Gretchen

Merry Christmas!

Justin got me a steam mop (yay!) and a Love Spell set from VS. I got him a shirt, Donkey Kong Country for the wii (I know, I'm cool) and I gave him money towards his new car stereo. I also got my sewing machine months ago that was supposed to be a Christmas gift.

After opening presents & eating Breakfast we headed over to my parents house and spent the day there and had Christmas dinner. My sister's family came too. Bella loves her cousins. We played Pictionary Man and had a blast! I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!

One more picture..

Bella crashed on my mom's couch as soon as I got her in her PJs. She had such a busy day!

Christmas Eve Traditions

Every year on Christmas as kids we would get to open a present and get to wear Christmas PJs. I've continued that with Bella and I'm so glad I have. She got to open her tupperware shape ball tonight (sorry no pic). We are so excited for tomorrow morning!

Bella & her dad. She would only take a picture if he was in it.

Best picture I could get with just her and her pup.

And this is Jingle, he is our newest Christmas tradition. He comes with a storybook and when you read certain sentences, he recognizes them and makes a noise. We love him!

Santa's message to Bella

Santa's message to Bella

This is so fun for kids! Bella loves her message from Santa and we have to watch it every night. It's personalized just for her. Check it out, it's free!

Day 12, 17, 18, 19

I'm just skipping to the days that I like.. the other ones are silly.. Well they are all kind of silly but I'm bored.

Day 12 - How you found out about blogs and why you made one.
The first blog that I ever read was Jenna's. She inspired me to start my own. I didn't really get into blogging until I was pregnant though.

Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
Well the first thing that came to my mind was Britney Spears.   I don't know why.. but it would be fun to be her for one day. I think it would be insane, the paparazzi, the fans.. plus she has lots of money so I would have fun spending it!

Day 18 - Plans/Dreams/Goals you have
I can't wait to hit my goal weight. I love Weight Watchers and I hope that by the Spring/Summer of 2011 that I have hit goal! I totally think it's doable. We also have a goal to have Justin quit his job and help out with the vinyl business. We got denied for health insurance because he has back pain from a car accident so he is kind of stuck at him job until we get that figured out. Hopefully soon!


Day 19 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them?
Sunny, Sunny Bunny, Bunny.. that's about all. 

Day 10

Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyper, mad.

I don't really listen to specific songs according to my mood. I don't really listen to music when I'm sad or mad. I love Zumba songs, especially when I'm working or cleaning. I make lists on Playlist.com and play them on my computer when I am working. I also love Pandora.com. The channels that I listen to the most are Katy Perry, Hairspray, Chicago & Britney Spears. 

Click here for my Zumba playlist! It's still a work in progress as the songs are really hard to find or hard to figure out what they are called.

Day 8 & Day 9

Day 8 - Short term goals for this month and why.
Day 9 - Something you're proud of in the past few days.
 
I decided to combine these two days since they go hand in hand for me. I mentioned that I was starting Weight Watchers so it's a perfect time to set some short term goals.


Day 8
December Goals
- Track everyday!
- Drink all my liquids for the day


I have such a hard time drinking enough water each day. I'm just not thirsty!


Day 9
I'm really proud of myself for sticking to WW. This is my third week on and I've lost more than 5 pounds. And I'm so happy to have a friend that has joined me.

Day 7

Day 7 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

I had to really think about this one. I have so many important people in my life. I have the best family and so many caring friends. But my mind kept wandering back to one of the most important men in my life and that is my step father, Rex.

This picture cracks me up. It's just a candid shot from my sister's wedding but it looks like an ad for a bottle of water or something. It could almost be a business headshot and then there is that bottle of water. It's such a nice photo though!

I can't tell you how lucky we have been to have him in our lives. My mom met him when I was 11 years old and he has been my father figure ever since then. He is so funny, caring, & understanding. He is seriously the best grandpa ever! He bundled up Isabella the other night and pulled her around in a sled in the front yard until dinner time. He loves that baby so much! And she definitely loves her grandpa. I love hearing stories about his childhood (he was a hellion) because he is such an angel now. Don't tell him I said so because it will go straight to head and I'll never hear the end of it!

I knew I wanted to do something special for him around the time of my wedding. We found the white cowboy hat and I did some of my bridals in it. We let him see the proofs for the rest of the pictures but somehow hid those ones from him until we got the prints back. We surprised him with some portraits and the white hat a little while before my wedding. And then we wore the white had to my wedding. When Bella was born, we did some of her newborn pictures in the white hat for him. She may or may not have peed in it..

Day 6

Day 6 - Your favorite Superhero and why.

 Mario! He totally counts as a superhero, right? He's the best.

Day 5

Day 5 - A picture of somewhere you've been...

My favorite place in the world!  San Francisco!

 I love everything about this city. I seriously should just move there. I've been there twice, once in high school and once for our honeymoon. It is the most amazing city ever! I love Ghiradelli Square, Alcatraz, Lombard St, China Town. Plus the weather is amazing. I love the old townhouses that line the streets. Ahhh heaven!

Alioto's right on Fisherman's wharf. Delicious food!

Plus it's really close to San Jose which is where the Winchester Mystery House is. One of the coolest places that I've ever been to!

Day 4

Day 4 - A habit that you wish you didn't have.

I wish I didn't have the habit of spending all day on the computer! I'm kind of hopeless because my job is to work on the computer, like hello, I sale stuff online. Stuff that I design on a computer..and use a computer to cut out. However.. that is no excuse to spend the rest of the day on the computer too! Have you ever started looking at blogs and 15 blogs later you are reading about a complete strangers family trip to the zoo? Seriously. I have a problem!

27% of Americans are..

obese! How sad is that. 27%! That's INSANE. I seriously think the new Weight Watcher plan should be taught in schools. That's how much I like it. It's not some temporary diet you do for 6 months and then get to be bad again. It's a lifestyle change.

This Saturday will be my first PointsPlus weigh in!

Source: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=13575809

Day 2 & Day 3

I decided to combine Day 2 & 3 since day 2 is kind of silly..

Day 2 - The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 3 -A picture of you and your friends.

The meaning behind your blog name: It's just our first names so nothing interesting there!


Here is a picture of me and my friends..

Me, Joni, Jami, Brydie, Steph, & Anna

And of course me and my BFF, Stephanie. We have been friends since we were about 3 years old. 

This was a picture from her bridal shower. There is probably NO ONE in the world who knows me & understands me as much as she does. Everyone should have that kind of friend!

P.S. Dear Sierra, I have no pictures of me & you! That needs to be fixed ASAP. K, thanks!

Day 1

Day 1- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

1. I always read magazines starting from the back.
2. My eyes are two different colors.
3. I'm not a punctual person.
4. I never had dreams of owning my own business but it is still my dream come true in so many ways.
5. Justin and I dated 2.5 years before getting married and were married for another 2.5 years before Bella was born.
6. I grew up attending both Catholic and LDS churchs as my mom was Catholic and my dad was LDS. My mom was converted to the LDS church when I was 16.
7. I either wanted to become an elementary school teacher, a lawyer or a veterinarian when I grew up.
8. I like to read every night before I go to sleep.
9. I love the Wizard of Oz.
10. I am fascinated with true crime stories. 
11.  Psychology was one of my favorite subjects in high school and college.
12. The People's Court is my favorite TV show.
13. I believe in self-fulfilling prophesies, positive affirmations & all that other positive thinking stuff. Only to a certain degree though.
14. Isabella is named after my two great grandma's on my mom's side. Corabelle & Grace.
15. I never met my grandma Eileen (my mom's mom) she died when my mom was very young. But I feel a strong connection to her. I am named after her, we look alike & our taste is very similar. I can't wait to meet her someday.

30 days of blogging challenge

I saw this the other day and thought it would be fun to do. I challenge all my blogging friends and family to jump in and do it too!  Here is the list. I'll also keep it on my left sidebar if anyone wants to copy & paste it.

30 days of blogging challenge

Day 1- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.
Day 2 - The meaning behind your blog name.
Day 3 -A picture of you and your friends.
Day 4 - A habit that you wish you didn't have.
Day 5 - A picture of somewhere you've been.
Day 6 - Your favorite Superhero and why.
Day 7 - A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.
Day 8 - Short term goals for this month and why.
Day 9 - Something you're proud of in the past few days.
Day 10 - Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyper, mad.
Day 11 - Another picture of you and your friends.
Day 12 - How you found out about blogs and why you made one.
Day 13 - A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.
Day 14 - A picture of you and your family.
Day 15 - Put your iPod on shuffle; first 10 songs that play.
Day 16 - Another picture of yourself.
Day 17 - Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.
Day 18 - Plans/Dreams/Goals you have.
Day 19 - Nicknames you have; why do you have them?
Day 20 - Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.
Day 21 - A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 - What makes you different from everyone else?
Day 23 - Something you crave a lot.
Day 24 - A letter to your parents.
Day 25 - What I would find in your purse.
Day 26 - What you think about your friends.
Day 27 - Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?
Day 28 - A picture of you in the last year and now, how have you changed since then?
Day 29 - In this past month what have you learned?
Day 30 - Who are you?

Christmas Tree

We got our tree put up and I love it! This is actually our first large Christmas tree we have ever put up.. I know, I'm such a grinch! I actually wanted it to have turquoise in it but couldn't find anything the right color this year. It started out really red with a little bit of green but then I added silver to balance it all out. I really love it.

I wish pictures could show how beautiful this tree is! 

You just can't capture all the sparkly goodness in a picture!

Bella helping decorate the tree. She actually takes off way more than she puts on!

This is Bella's first ornament. She actually has a couple but this is the one that I bought her last year. I've always loved the month of December. It's the only time that I like to have the snow around and I love love the music. But sharing the holiday season with Bella is just so much more fun! She loves everything so far. We went and saw the lights at Layton Park and at Williard Bay and she loved it! I can't wait until Christmas.. just a little under 3 weeks away!

My heart is breaking!

So about a week ago we found out that my sister and her family are moving to Nevada. I've been in denial ever since because I DON'T WANT THEM TO GO!!! My sister is one of my very best friends. I love my nieces and nephew so much and it breaks my heart to have Bella grow up without her cousins. Tonight I came across this picture of my sister and Bella from Skye's wedding..

I think it is so sweet! I asked Skye to hold Bella for a second while I ran and made her a bottle. Bella was NOT happy (well, obviously) and Dustin just happened to be close by with the camera. I think it's the sweetest picture. It just shows you how much Skye loves Bella. I was so lucky that Skye was able to watch Bella while I was working.

I hope & pray that they won't be long and will be back in Utah before we know it. I am going to miss them SO much!

Cha.. Cha.. Cha.. Changes!

I have been so anxious for the new Weight Watchers program to roll out. Seriously, it's been driving me nuts. The new plan was FINALLY released today and it looks pretty cool. All fruit is 0 points now. Yay! The new points are based off Fat, Carbs, Protein & Fiber (vs. the old plan Calories, Fat, Fiber). A lot of things are higher points value but you also get more points a day plus more weekly points. 'm not officially starting until Saturday because that is when we will be learning everything at our first meeting. Saturday could not come any faster!

21 months

I'm sad to say that I no longer have a baby! Bella is definitely a toddler now and it makes me sad! Where does the time go? She is such a nutty girl, we love her so much! I bought Bella a potty chair for Christmas and then realized that it was the silliest gift ever. Who would want a toilet for Christmas? So I had to give it to her early. I had no other choice. In fact, I didn't only give her the potty chair. I also gave her a baby doll, an outfit, & another small toy. What is wrong with me? There is no point in shopping for Christmas early if you give all the gifts early! Oh well.. on a happier note, here is the potty chair..

Isn't it cute?!

Best thing about potty training? Big girl panties!

We haven't officially started potty training yet. I'm still trying to whip up a game plan. Potty training is scary to me. I don't want to mess it up and I want it to be a positive experience for the both of us. Ya know?  So if you have got any tips.. send them my way.

21 month highlights

This girl can say a bajillion words. And lots of sentences now too! It's so much fun. 

She is really loving Blues Clues

She likes to play on the kneebouncers website. She's actually liked this for quite a while but I don't think I've ever shared the website. It's really cute and age appropriate. She can play it all by herself.

She loves drinking water. Totally my girl. I love water too. She still drinks milk really well too. 

She likes to play in her room all by herself. See, not a baby anymore! 

She likes money. Who doesn't? But what does a one year old need a dollar for?  Whenever anyone gets their wallet out she yells, "money! money!"

 She is totally Miss Independent. She likes to try to do things herself. When we have to go anywhere she has to pack her own "purse" and always says, "I wanna walk" instead of letting me carry her. 

She loves her new boots that grandma bought her. And don't you dare call them shoes or she will definitely correct you that they are called BOOTS. 

 That's about all I can think of for this month. We are so excited for Christmas so I'm sure I'll have lots of blog posts this month. I love the month of December. Putting up the tree, the music, Christmas lights, the decorations.. not so much the snow. I wish it only snowed on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. That would be perfect!

 

Christmas Tree Jubilee

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We went to my parent's house and it was really nice. Bella is generally a pretty good eater but was super picky and only liked the pie and the rolls. Totally my kid :) I did not even snap 1 picture on Thanksgiving. Oops!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to donate vinyl for a tree being donated for the Christmas Tree Jubilee. We went yesterday to the event to see all the trees and to see Santa. The trees were all beautiful and the money raised goes to help special needs children in the school district. Such a great cause!

Oh, the places you'll go!

 We have to watch Bella really carefully right now because she will disappear in an instant. She always wants to walk by herself and she is quick! She had so much fun looking at all the trees and also got to see Santa! She didn't want to sit with him at first until she noticed that he had candy canes and then she was all for it. Silly girl! She was really good after that while her candy cane lasted.

Santa, Mrs. Claus, Bella & Tayzhia

Candy Cane Tea Party

 And... this look means, "Enough with the pictures, mom!"

drawing

Bella's first digital illustration..

Now that's fine art!